Airworthiness Directives; GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (Type Certificate Previously Held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and MOTORLET a.s.) Turboprop Engines

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 156 (Tuesday, August 17, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45858-45860]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-17519]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0316; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00461-E; 
Amendment 39-21657; AD 2021-15-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and 
MOTORLET a.s.) Turboprop Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (GEAC) H75-200, H80-100, and H80-200 model 
turboprop engines. This AD was prompted by several reports of engine 
gas generator speed (Ng) rollbacks occurring below idle on GEAC H75-
200, H80-100, and H80-200 model turboprop engines. This AD requires an 
inspection of a certain part number (P/N) fuel control unit (FCU) and, 
if deficiencies are detected, replacement of the FCU with a part 
eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 21, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 
21, 2021.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact GE Aviation Czech, Beranov[yacute]ch 65 199 02 Praha 9--
Let[ncaron]any, Czech Republic; phone: +420 222 538 111. You may view 
this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, 
Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(781) 238-7759. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0316.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0316; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments 
received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: (781) 238-7146; fax: (781) 238-7199; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all GEAC H75-200, H80-
100, and H80-200 model turboprop engines. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on April 20, 2021 (86 FR 20465). The NPRM was prompted 
by several reports of engine gas generator speed (Ng) rollbacks 
occurring below idle on GEAC H75-200, H80-100, and H80-200 model 
turboprop engines. The NPRM proposed to require an inspection of a 
certain P/N FCU and, if deficiencies are detected, replacement of the 
FCU with a part eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.
    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has 
issued EASA AD 2020-0082, dated April 1, 2020 (referred to after this 
as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these products. 
The MCAI states:

    Several occurrences have been reported of engine gas generator 
speed (Ng) rollbacks below idle on engines equipped with an affected 
part.
    The investigation determined that, during these events, the 
engine control lever (ECL) was set to idle, and identified as 
contributing factors specific environmental temperatures, possibly 
in combination with a high power off-take. The idle setting may be 
used in flight, in particular during the approach phase.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, may lead to loss 
of engine power and eventually, on a single engine aeroplane, 
possibly result in loss of control.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, GEAC issued the ASB 
providing applicable instructions.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2021-0316.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the costs.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is 
adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed GE Aviation Czech Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 
ASB-H80-73-00-00-0052[00]/ASB-H75-73-00-00-0022[00] (single document), 
Revision 00, dated February 6, 2020. The service information specifies 
procedures for performing a functional inspection of the FCU, P/N LUN 
6590.07-8, and replacing the FCU. This service information is 
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it 
through their normal

[[Page 45859]]

course of business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 33 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Functional Inspection of FCU..........  0.50 work-hours x $85                 $0          $42.50       $1,402.50
                                         per hour = $42.50.
Replace FCU...........................  4 work-hours x $85 per            25,000          25,340         836,220
                                         hour = $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. 
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight 
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for 
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary 
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to 
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2021-15-10 GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (Type Certificate previously 
held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and MOTORLET a.s.): 
Amendment 39-21657; Docket No. FAA-2021-0316; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2020-00461-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 21, 
2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (GEAC) (Type 
Certificate previously held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and 
MOTORLET a.s.) H75-200, H80-100, and H80-200 model turboprop 
engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7321, Fuel Control/
Turbine Engines.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by several reports of engine gas generator 
speed (Ng) rollbacks below idle on GEAC H75-200, H80-100, and H80-
200 model turboprop engines with a fuel control unit (FCU), part 
number (P/N) LUN 6590.07-8, installed. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
prevent engine Ng rollbacks below idle on engines equipped with an 
FCU, P/N LUN 6590.07-8. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could result in loss of engine power and loss of control of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 100 flight hours (FHs) after the effective date of 
this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 FHs since the 
previous inspection, perform a functional inspection of the FCU, P/N 
LUN 6590.07-8, using the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 
2.1.1, Ground Check Procedure, of GE Aviation Czech Alert Service 
Bulletin No. ASB-H80-73-00-00-0052[00]/ASB-H75-73-00-00-0022[00] 
(single document), Revision 00, dated February 6, 2020 (the ASB).
    (2) If, during any functional inspection required by paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD, the engine Ng is:
    (i) Equal to or greater than 57% up to and including 60%, then 
no further action is required.
    (ii) Equal to or greater than 55% but lower than 57%, then 
follow the steps 1 through 3 under ``Ng speed is equal to or above 
55% and below 57%'' in the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 
2.1.2, Ground check results evaluation, of the ASB.
    (iii) Below 55%, then follow steps 1 and 2 under ``Ng speed is 
below 55%'' in the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.1.2, 
Ground check results evaluation, of the ASB.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2): In the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 2.1.2, of the ASB, where the ASB states ``Do steps 1 thru 
8 after the FCU adjustment,'' do steps 1 through 7 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.1.1, in the ASB.
    (3) During the next engine overhaul, or within 44 months, 
whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, remove 
the FCU, P/N LUN 6590.07-8, and replace it with a part eligible for 
installation.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install an FCU, P/N 
LUN 6590.07-8, onto any engine.

(i) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, a part eligible for installation is 
an FCU, P/N LUN 6590.71-8.

(j) Terminating Action

    Installing a part eligible for installation onto an engine as 
required by paragraph (g)(2) or (3) of this AD, as applicable, 
constitutes terminating action for the functional inspections 
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD for that engine.

[[Page 45860]]

(k) No Reporting Requirements

    The reporting requirements specified in paragraph 2.1.2 of the 
ASB are not required by this AD.

(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your 
principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as 
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the 
certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in Related Information. You may email your request to: 
[email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(m) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Barbara 
Caufield, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District 
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7146; fax: (781) 238-
7199; email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2020-0082, dated April 1, 2020, for more information. You may 
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0316.

(n) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) GE Aviation Czech Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB-H80-73-00-
00-0052[00]/ASB-H75-73-00-00-0022[00] (single document), Revision 
00, dated February 6, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For GE Aviation Czech service information identified in this 
AD, contact GE Aviation Czech, Beranov[yacute]ch 65 199 02 Praha 9--
Let[ncaron]any, Czech Republic; phone: +420 222 538 111.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (781) 238-7759.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on July 15, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-17519 Filed 8-16-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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